Timely rise of the Bura East Conservancy

Arawale National Reserve (ANR) offered an important conservation area not only for the long-term recovery of the critically endangered hirola, but also for the conservation of other endangered species including the Grevy’s zebra, the Somali giraffe and the East African Wild Dog.

Immediately after its short-lived operation, poaching increased considerably while wildlife populations in the area greatly declined. However, after we established Bura East Conservancy next to ANR, and strengthened our conservation efforts, we have made a huge impact. Through frequent anti-poaching patrols, de-snairing exercises and local community engagements, poaching incidents including wildlife mortality associated with human-wildlife conflicts have greatly reduced.

“We are glad that wildlife sightings have greatly increased especially within the last three months. The sightings are of Hirola, giraffes, lesser kudus, gerenuks and gazelles.” claims Ali Hassan, the conservancy head scout.

Our rangeland restoration projects, are also breathing new life into Bura East Conservancy through better habitat and increased food availability for the hirola and other grazers such as the Grevy’s zebra. Our community-based approach has also created favourable support from the locals including the native Somali pastoralists.